Council has awarded more than $420,000 to 33 community organisations to help them deliver activities and events which build the community’s capacity and create stronger local connections.

The most recent allocations bring Council’s investment in community grants to over $1 million this financial year.

Mayor Jane Smith said it is great to see community organisations taking advantage of the funding opportunities available to help make their big ideas happen.

“Our grants programs give our community more opportunities to build on ideas which enhance the quality of life on the Coast,” Mayor Smith said.

“Council cannot do everything ourselves and these grants build community capacity and give local groups the funding to deliver services and quality opportunities for our growing community.”

Four organisations will share in $14,834 through the Community Support Grant Program to deliver community activities which require a small amount of funding and/or in-kind support including Compass Housing for a community hub ($3810), 5 Lands Walk opening celebration ($5000), Mannering Park Precinct Committee ($1024) and $5000 for the Kincumber Neighbourhood Centre.

$98,141.50 has been allocated to 12 organisations to deliver innovative activities that celebrate the region’s character and diversity under the Community Partnership Grant Program:

• • Rocky Trail Entertainment – Lakes Festival Scavenger Hunt $9000
  • Police Citizens Youth Clubs – 2018 sunrise boxing event $15,500
  • Eastcoast Foods & Beverages – day on the farm $9475
  • Gosford District Garden Competition – 2018 garden competition $11,180
  • Peninsula Environment Group – Woytopia Sustainable Living Festival $7512
  • Country Junior Rugby Union of NSW – Country junior rugby carnivals $5100
  • Art Studios Cooperative – Australian Spirit finale event $6782
  • Australian Boutique markets – Park Feast, Gosford waterfront $2307
  • Central Coast Bombers – 9’s tournament $3920
  • Davistown Putt Putt Regatta and Wooden Boat Festival – 2018 festival $14,165
  • Central Coast Kids Day Out – 2018 event $7700

• • Central Coast Hockey Association – U15 boys/girls Hockey NSW indoor state titles $5500.

The Community Development Grant Program will deliver $311,265.75 to 17 organisations to deliver activities that foster a sense of community, build capacity within community groups, strengthen the economic base, enhance quality of life and protect and enhance the Coast’s natural qualities:

• • Take 3 –sustainability hub $30,000
  • NSW ARM (Central Coast Mentoring Network) – secondary school mentoring $15,000
  • Mangrove Mountain and Districts Community Group –hall kitchen upgrade $10,183
  • The Rhythm Hut – Queendom $14,505
  • Miracle Babies Foundation – neonatal intensive care survival packs $6,000
  • Empower Golf Australia – permanent disabled golfer facility $19,050
  • Avoca Kayak Club – kayak community inclusions program $34,000
  • Musicians Making a Difference –career impact days $45,000
  • St Vincent de Paul Society – Tasty Talk Tuesday $11,328
  • Mingaletta Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Corporation – documentary film $20,542.50
  • Peninsula Environment Group – ‘Can I wheelie learn to walk in your shoes’ $11,650
  • Long Jetty Locals- Long jetty Street Festival 2018 $20,562.25
  • Central Coast Scots – 2018 Scottish Spectacular $9,823
  • Water Circle – Creative enterprise start up $7000
  • NAISDA Dance College – public performance and community engagement program $16,000
  • Central Coast Outrigger Canoe Club – canoe purchase – $20,000
  • Live Life Get Active – camp $19,992

Council’s staff will contact the organisers of the Long Jetty Street Festival seeking clarification if they wish to withdraw their funding application and report back to the 25 June 2018 meeting to reallocate funding if required.

Information about Council’s Community Grants Program can be found at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/grants including upcoming grant writing workshops.